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Monday, 12 October 2015

Olan - Ash Gourd and Cow Beans Stewed In Coconut Milk

Olan-Ash gourd and cow beans stewed in coconut milk- is an another memorable delicacy of Kerala sadya. Rather than part of sadya (the Keralite vegetarian feast), it is one of the common dishes of my home. It was one of the favourite dish of my grandfather. My grandma and aunt were experts in this. I got this recipe from my aunt.I used only cucumber and cow beans, but in some area, pumpkins and long beans are also used. The only thing which we should keep in mind is that the amount of cow beans should always be less compared to the vegetable counterparts.

Olan recipe

Author: Anju Aneesh

Recipe type: Side dish

Cuisine: India, South India, Kerala

Ingredients

1 cup ash gourd, chopped

1/4 cup red or white cow beans ( Vanpayar)

2 green chilies

1 cup thin coconut milk

1/2 cup thick coconut milk

2 teaspoon coconut oil

salt as needed

1 spring curry leaves

Direction of preparation of Olan

Soak cow beans for one to two hours and pressure cook with 3/4 cups of water. Cook on high flame till the first whistle and then reduce to low-medium and wait for one more whistle and then turn off the stove. The beans should retain its shape. Drain and keep aside.

Let the water to reduce, add the thick coconut milk, mix well and turn off the stove when it starts to boil.

Add a few drops of coconut oil and mix well. Keep it covered for five to ten minutes and serve with rice.

Let us go to the step by step preparation of olan

Soak 1/4 cup cow beans in water for one to two hours.

Pressure cook them with 3/4 cups of water. Cook on high flame till the first whistle and then reduce to low-medium and wait for one more whistle and turn off the stove. The beans should retain its shape. Drain and keep aside.